Zone metering system



June 16, 1931. 1 WlCKS ZONE METERING SYSTEM Filed June 5, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet l Ima-nl Jahn winks /fw afi-5.

" June 16, 1931. J. wlcKs ZONE METERING SYSTEM Filed June 3, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Emi I1-man :fr- Jahn wicks June 16, 1931.- J. wIcKs ZONE METERING SYSTEM Filed June 3, 1929 lLiShee'ts-Sheet 3 June 16, 1931. J. wlcKs ZONE METERING SYSTEM 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filedune 3, 1929 .Tp u u n u HEB www www,

Patented June 16,1931 i I nnte. Sra-rss fpk 'gianni-c- "Tsn onirica SOHN VVIGKS, OE. AKLPARK, ILLINOS, VAKSSIGNR TO RESERVE HOLDING CGMPAYfOF cercano, IL-Linois, e ocnrenn'rion orl DELAWARE Azoner Mnzrnnin'e SYSTEM Y' application ined .Tune 3, 1929. seriai No. aereas.

The'presentin-vention relates in general to zone metering telephone systems, but is particularly concerned with the provision Aof a c Zone ainetering system forusefin conjunction c with an automaticv telephonesystem such as disclosed in the' co-pending Wicks application, Serial N 0.297 ,611, filed August 6, 1928.

The :main object of thepresent invention Y is ytofprovide fzone metering equipment so anytime duringor subsequent to the installation of the rest of theeXchange.

The invention is disclosed 1in' four sheets of drawings, which, whenarranged with F ig.L

i l'placedto the leftof'FigwQ., Fig. 3 below Fig. 2- with the corresponding conductors in alignment and with Fig. 4 tothe immediate right'fof Fig. 3, show, by means of the usual circuit diagrams, a suflicient amount ot equip-f tical and rotary type.` The circuiisandapparatus of this ligure are, in facu-quite similar to'those disclosed inFig. 3 of the co-pending V,aqiplication' ,referred to, Vthe selectorrepeater SRhaving its circuits slightly modiiiediinaccordance with the invention.

Fig. 2 shows va plunger switch l?, which isf individual to the selector repeater SR,y and is for associating the selector repeaterwith idle zonem-etering` equipment when the selectorl? repeater is seized. The switch P is `of .the well known pre-,selecting plunger type.' vA master, switch FIS, of well known type, funcf tions lto maintain the plungerof the switch l? betere bank cont-acts with which idle zone metering yequipment* is associated.`

maybe liket-hat disclosed in the cti-pending Y application referred'to, and are, therefore,

only ,symbolically shown.

designed that it may bereadily installed atr to the Zone called. switch ZES", which .is n echanically of the Also shown inl Fig. 2 are selector D, connectoriH, and called y'liner equipment A', all ofwhich.

y The equipment of Fig. 3 comprises a number of relays; for recording the zone to which a connection hasbeen set up gifor controlling t e periodic assessment of a time lapse charge in accordance with the zone called; and for causing a-Zone charge to beinade at the terminat-ion ot' a. call yunless terminated by an operator. Cooperating `with `these relays is av ten-pointtiine limit switch TL, kwhich is of the well known. pawl and ratchet type pro-l vided withspring actuating means for restoringitsV wipers to normal position upon operation of its release magnet. Y

The'switch TL cooperates with the-other equipment of Fig. 3 to automatically break down the connection after the lapse ot' a fixed number of talking periods and also functions to step the metering operation after an appropriate charge for the call has been made in case the call is terminated before the time and SPS of the same type as thelineswitch LS arel also provided. The time pulse switch TPS isl common to the exchange, and is continuously advanced under control of ya time cani 249, which causes the wiper 281 of the switch to pass over all its contacts onceevery three minutes. The start pulse switch SPS functions to iindthe'position of the wiper of switch TPS, the instant a call is answered,

thereby establishing the period at which the charge is tobegin.

ln F ig. Llis a zone register `equipment comprising a zone register switch ZES,

, which is mechanically like the selector repeater of Fig. l. The switchZRS is actuated by theffirst two series of impulses transmitted by a calling subscriber to determine thesetting of the recording relays of Fig. 3, or to cause the releaseof all zone meter equipment if 4no charge ist@ be made for a connection A `second zone register same type'asTL, in the right portion ot Fig. 3, is actuated by the thirdseries of impulses transmi ted'by the calling subscriber, and is provided to enablea. third registration to be madehwhenniore than two digits are required to determinethe Zone. ln the lower part of Fi .g4 is a time releaseswitch TR whichr g, y A a -76 limit has expired. Two rotary'switches TPS f mechanically is of the same type as ZES. This switch and the zone register switches are associated With the equipment of Fig. by a plunger switch P', similar to P, and is one of a number oit such switches each of which is permanently associated with a set of meter control equipment. The master switch MS is identical to the master switch MS of Fig. 2 and has similL r functions.

The purpose and character of the apparatus disclosed having been briefly described, a detailed description et its operation will new be given. For this purpose the operationsl which take place in setting up a connection between the substations it and fr. Will first be explained.

Calls from. substation ri to retratado/n.111

When the receiver is removed at substation A, a circuit is ,losed over line conductors 101 and 102 for line relay 104 of the line-- switch LS. Line relay 104 energizes over the calling line and places ground on the associated private normal conductor 118 leading to the banks of the connector switches having laccess to the line ot subs' ,bien A, thereby making this line busy to those counectors, and also closes a circuit through 'the combined switching and cuteotl' relay 103 and the motor magnet 105. L'zne relay 104 also at armature 120 connects test Wiper 111 through armature 107 and resting contact to the junction of reA 03 and magnet 105. iccordingly, il' trunk upon which the wipers of there ie n are standing is busy the ground potenL i encountered by testwiper 111 shunts the relay 103 and prevents it from energizing' and atiords a direct circuit for the self-interrupting stepping magnet 105. Accordingly epping magnet operates 1n a buzzer-l te manner te aflvance the Wipersl 110 to 113, inclusiv in Search of an idle trunk liuc.

y\hen an idle trunk line is reached, stepping magnet 105 ceases to operate, and relay y103, belng no longer short circuited, energizes in series with stepping magnet 105, which however, does not operate at this time on account of the relatively high resistance ot relay 103. Upon energizing, relay 103 disconnects test Wiper 111 from the junction of its own Winding and that of magnet 105 and connects it to the grounded private normal conductor 118, thereby extending ground to the release trunk conductor of the seized trunk; it connects up the meter operating Wiper 112 at armature 108; and at armatures 106 and 109 disconnects conductors 101 and 102 from line relay 104 and ground and ex-y tendsthem by Way of Wipers 110 and 113, conductors 114 and 117, armatures 173 and 179 and their resting contacts, and through the upper and lower windings of line relay 121 and relay 124 to battery and ground,

" Line relay 121 energizes over the above traced circuit,but relay 124, being differential and stiily adjusted, will operate only when ground is connected to both its windings. Line relay 121, upon energizing, at armature closes a circuit for energizing relays 123 and 127 in series, and at armature 141 removes the short circuit from around release relay 122 and closes an energizing circuit for that relay in series with the vertical magnet 130 and the upper and lower windings of relay 126 in multiple. Release relay 122 energizes over ythe'above traced circuit; the vertical magnet 130 does not operatebecause of the high resistance of release relay 122, While relay 126 does not operate because of the shunt-ing effect of magnet 130.r Release relay 122, upon energizing, at armature 142 closes a shunt around the armature 161 to prevent the circuit of relay 121 being opened by the energization of relay 126; at armature 143 prepares a point in a holding circuit- `for relay 123; at armature 145 grounds the release trunk 115, thereby maintaining the lineswitch LS in operated Vposition when ground is removed from armature 119 by the deenergization of line relay 104; at armature 146 grounds conductor 205; and at armature 147 completes a locking circuit tor itself and prepares the impulsing circuit for the vertical magnet 130. The circuit or energizing relays 123 and 127 may be traced as follows: from ground by Way of the upper winding of relay 127, normally closed springs controlled by armature 180, normally closed springs controlled by armature 117 3, armature 140 and its Working contact, and the upperwindings of relays 123 and 124 in series to battery. Due to its spring adjustment, and thel current flowing in its lower Winding, relayy 124 is not energized over this circuit. Relay 123, upon energizing, at armature 149 opens a point in a circuit for the release magnet 19; and at armature 150 prepares an energizing circuit for relay 125, which, however, 1s open at armature 17 0 at this time. Relay 127, upon energizing, at armature 166 connects with ground through resistance 167, in order to maintain relay 123 energized during impulsing; at armature 168 and its Working contact connects dialtone DT to conductor 114 notifying the subscriber to begin dialling the called number; at armature 169 removes the shunt circuit from around the upper Winding of relay 128; at armature 171 opens a point in an overflow busy circuit; and at armature 170 opens a point in' the circuit otrelay 125 and at its Working contact completes a locking circuit for itself, extending from ground by Way of armature 150. This ground, it Will be noted, also extends by Way of conductor 207 to the Vrelay 210 in Fig. 2. This relay, therefore,

operates and at armature 211 disconnects conductor 217 from the conductor 208 and connects it with conductor 204, and at its armature 212 completes Van operating circuit extending'through the contacts 214,;the lower or pull-down winding A216 of-switch P, and through the armature and resting contactcof the master switch magnet 222to battery. n The plunger of the switch P thereupon actuates and is held locked up over a circuit including its upper winding 227, the contacts 215, and the working'contact and grounded armature 212 of relay 210.

`By the operation of the plunger of switch P the selector of Fig. 1 is connected with the zone met-er control equipment of F ig. 3. The closure of contacts 225'completes a holding circuit for the switchP which isindependent rela,v 210. This circuit extends from bat- -J, through the winding 227 of l?, contacts 215, the bank contacts 225,conductor 220, the winding of relay 231, contact and arma-ture 286 andthe armature 287 and its grounded contact. Relay 231 simply actuates to open a f special impulsing circuit Vwhich will be traced later, and closes another point `in the meter control circuit. contacts'224 or' the switch l? causes gro-und on conductor 205 to be extended over conductor 219, through the armature 248 and its resting Contact, to the windingjotslow-release relay 234 and battery. The relay operates,

and at its armature 233 prepares an operai` ing circuit for relay 243, but this relay'is prerented from operating at this time since `it short circuited by ground appliedfto the other terminal of its winding over thearniature 248 and its resting contact; and at its armature 235 opens a second point in the circuit ofthe release magnet 330 of switch TL and applies ground to the holding conductor 326. A branch from this holding conductor passes over armature 257 and` its resting contact to the winding of relay 260 and battery. Vselay 269, upon operating, at its armature 263'closes a vpoint in an automatic release circuit which will be des-cribedlateigand its armature 264 opens a point ina ycontrol .circuit tor the :i meter. Theground supplied over conductor 219 also irtendsby way of armature 282rand its resting contact, conductor 341, through the break contacts 384 of the plunger switch l,

its lower winding, and through the armature and resting contact of the master switch. control magnet 222 to battery. rllhe switch l, therefore, also actuates, to extend the conductors 342-345, inclusive, to thezoiie register equipment of Fig. 4. In the operation'of'the ari'iiatureoll switch P the upper or holding winding 350 is substituted for the lower winding.

The closure of bank contact 354 of switch P completes a third circuit Jiiroin the grounded conductor 219, V,through the upper windingy of relay 275, the armature 84Y and its contact,

conductor 343, bank conta-ct- 354. to the winding of slow release relay 34,7 'and battery. The resistance yof relay 347 is made lowenough to havesullicient shunting etlect on relay 126 to.

The closure ot bank prevent 4the latter relayioperating when theVVA vertical magnet 130 is disconnected from the circuit. VRelay275 yis marginal and does not operate in series with 4347. lThe relay 347,l

however, operates,at its armature'348 opens ,a secondV point viii-the common circuit of `release magnets 365, 386,and 392, at its front' contact prepares a holding circuit Jfor the ref lay v376, andat armature 349 completes acircuit for the operating magnet 391 ofthe.tini ing release switch TR. This circuit extends from ground appliedto the front contact of motor magnet 242 of switch TPS overt-heron-v ductor346,.worl in0 contact `and armature 349 and the winding ofv the magnet 391 to battery. This circuit is periodically closed bythe constantly operating armature of magnet 242, which is included in a circuitwith the constantly operating interrupter cam 249. As the ground impulses are transmitted .over

conductor 346 the switch TRsteps its. wipers over Yits bank contacts. 1

'It the subscriber at substation Afneglects to dial Within the time required for the wipers 355 and 356 to be moved in connection'with their fourth bank contact,the meter .control equipment will be released and ythencalling also passesover the wiper 355, through thevr off-normal springs 358, bank contacts1353,

Vconductor342, resting contact a-nd armature 283, conductor 221, bank rcontacts 226 of switch P, and the conductor 206, and arma# ture 183 and its resting Contact to the verticaly magnet 130 t0 battery. The selector repeater SR,therefore, takes one vertical step. The

relay 275, upon'operating, vat its armatureA 286 interrupts Lthe circuit oty relay 231,`per mitting it to restore; at armature 276 applies ground'potential from the grounded contact and armature 285: through the contact and armature27 3 to the slow-release interruptor relay 251. This relay in turn, at its armature 265 completes a circuit` for Athe slow-release relay 269, which operates and at its armature 271 transmits ai ground pulse over f the resting" contact and armature 232, conductor 218, bank contacts 223, armature 211 and its working contact, conductor 204,.aiid through the winding'v of the rotary magnet 131 to battery. The relays 2511and 269 nowv operate alternately'to repeat pulses out over the `conductor, 218, :causing'the selector repeater 'SR to rotate its wipers -until it is stopped by the operation of its cam springs 118 and '187 on the eleventh rotary step. The springs118 in actuated position connect overflow busy tone to the calling line, and the springs 187 complete a circuit for relay 129 at the termination of the eleventh impulse, from battery through magnet 131, through springs 187 the lower winding of 129 to ground on conductor' 115. Relay 129 operates, at its armature 182 completes a shunt circuit about its upper winding rendering the relay slow to release and thereby preventing its release during the transmission of a su sequent impulse over conductor 204, and at its contacts controlled by armature 180 interrupts the circuit of relays 123 and 127. Relay 127, upon restoring, at armature 170 opens the circuit of relay 210 of switch P. Relay 210 thereupon restores and interrupts the holding circuit of switch P, which now restores. As a result of the restoration of switch P ground is removed from conductor 219, causing the relay 234 and switch P to restore. The' restoration of switch P interrupts the circuit of'relays 275 and 347 which also restore. The relay 347, upon restoring, at its armature 348 completes the circuit of release magnet 392 of switch TR causing that switchjto also restore to normal.

yThe calling subscriber, upon hearing the busy tone will replace his receiver, thereby bringing about the release of the selector repeater SR and line-switch LS, in a manner which `will subsequently be made clear.

It will now be assumed that the subscriber initiates a call and begins dialling before the expiration of the time interval allowed. Res onsive to the operation of the calling device, the loop circuit extending through line relay 121 isinterrupted a plurality of times, and said line relay Jfalls back a corresponding number ot times. Each time line relay 121 falls back, a circuit may be traced from ground by way of armature 147 and its contact, normally closed springs controlled by armature 14.1, armature 183 and its restin contact, and through the winding of vertica magnet 130 to battery. By the operation of the vertical magnet 130 the switch wipers 190 to 192, inclusive, are operated opposite the desired level of bank contacts. Branches of this impulsing circuit extend to the upper terminal of relay 126 and to conductor 206, respectively. Relay 121 at armature 141 also closes a short circuit around release relay 122 in order to render the release relay slow to release, so that it will be maintained in oper ated position `during' the impulsing period; and at armature 140 closes circuit for maintaining the relay 123 energized during pulsing. This circuit extends by way of ground through resistance 167 and armatures 166, 157, and 143, and their contacts, the springs controlled by armature 140, upper winding of relays 123 and 124 in series tobattery.

Relay 126 energia/es upon the-transmission of the first impulse, at armature 161 opens the initial energizing circuit for line relay 121; at armature 162 opens a point in a circuit for the rotary magnet 131, so that the rotary magnet will not operate when the off-normal springs 152 operate and close on the first vertical step of the switch and applies ground to release conductor 115 by Way of armatures 178 and 153; and at armature 163 opens a point in the operating circuit of relay 12-5, and prepares a point in au auxiliary circuitt'or itself. Relay 4126 remains operated during pulsing because it is made slightly slow to fall back when its circuit is opened during the impulsing period because of the current flow through it and relay 122 in series at this time. However, after impulsing has ceased, relay 126' falls back, and at armature 162 closes a circuit for operating the rotary magnet 131 as follows: from ground on release trunk conductor 115, armatures 153, 178, 162, 151 and their resting contacts, off-normal springs 152, resting contact and armature 181, interrupter springs 188 of the rotary magnet 131, and the winding of said maghetto battery. By the operation of the rotary magnet, the switch wi pers 190 to 192, inclusive, are rotated into engagement with the lirst. set ot bank contacts in the selected level. Near the end of its stroke, rotary magnet 131 operates its interrupter springs 188, thereby interrupting its own circuit. The rotary magnet continues to operate in a buzzer-like manner to step the wipers over the bank contacts in the selected level until the test wiper 191 encounters a battery potential. on one of the test contacts.

Assuming that the first idle trunk comprises the conductors 201 to 203, inclusive, extending to the intermediate selector D shown in Fig. 2, then when wiper 191 encounters test contact 198 a circuit may be traced for energizing switching relay 129 as follows: ground by way ot grounded conductor 205, armature 169 and its working contact, upper winding ot switching relay 129, wiper 191, test contact 198, to conductor 202 which has battery supplied through a resistance 228 at selector D. Relay 129, upon energizing, at armature 181'opens its rotary magnetl circuit so as to stop the rotation of wipers 190-192, and closes a locking circuit for itself extending by way ot the grounded conductor 115, its lower winding, its contact and armature 181 and the winding of magnet 131 to battery; and closes a circuit from grounded conductor 205 through the upper winding of marginal relay 128 and through working contact and armature 182 to the battery on wiper 191. Relay 128, being marginal, is not energized over this circuit, because o' the resistance 228. The relay 129 also, at armature 183 opens a point in the vertical magnet circuit and short circuits the upper winding of relay 126; and at its armatures 180 and 184 closes the controlling cir'- cuit of switch D. This circuit extends from battery through the upper windings of relays 124 and 123 in series, the working contact energizes it interrupts the traced switch con'- ture 233 and its resting contact, conductor` 342, benl; contacts oi'switchfin, through the brealrsprings 367, the winding` ot the. slow release relay=369, and the vertical mag# rnet 370 to battery. Upon the firstyertical step of the switchZRS the formerlyy traced time release circuit is interrupted bythe opening of olif-normal springs 358;.iat4 oli'- normal springs 366 an operating circuit is prepared for the release magnet365, while t theiolinormal springs 367 lthe imp ulsing circuit is-slightly modified so thatfthe subsequent impulses transmitted to the fvertical magnet 370 passthrough the armature and` working contact of the slow-release relay 369. At the termination ot the lirst series of 1mpulses, the slow. release relay` 369 restores its armature and, in so doing, prepares yan operating circuit for the rotaryfmagnet 3! 8.

As the calling subscriber dials theremaln ing digits in the called number' the line relayy 121 or" the switch Sloperates in the same manner as during the Itransmission ot the lirst digit'. Each time the .line relay de'- trol circuit to the selectorrD, at the springs controlled by armature 140 ;v andy at armature 141 again completes the circuit of vrelay 126 as before.

Upon transmission ot the-secondseriesof impulses, the impulses transmitted! to 1 the conductor 206 pass over'the 'previouslyf def-i` scribed path except that now they include the resting contact. and armature of relay 369, slow release relay 375, the armature 377 and its resting contact and the `winding of: rotary magnet 378 to battery. The wipers 368 and 373, are, therefore, rotated into connection with contacts individual, to the particularV zone being called. The relay 37 5,' which. operates upon the transmissionrof the iirstimpulse tothe rotary magnet 378, at its arma-y ture. 374, completes an operating circuit through the upper winding oftwo-stepr relay 373', which at this. time merelyactuates its armature 380, since its lowerfwinding is short circuited by ground: from the armature 348 and its working contact; andatiits armatures 371 and 372 disconnects the-wipers 368 and 37 3i 'from conductors 361 and 362 while passingover banlrcontacts. At the-termina- V for the relay 275.

contact, conductor 320, armature 25 tion of the impulse series, however, ythe vslowrelease relay'375 removes ground from fthe midpointA of thek winding of. relay 376,r per# mitting it to actuate the remainder of its contacts. The relay 376 at its armature 379, disconnects itself from the armature ofrelay 375, andat its armature 377 substitutes the operating magnet 385 of the switch ZRS- for the operating` magnet 37 8.- Upon the trans-V mission of the third series of impulses, corresponding to the third digit of the. called number, the operatingmagnet 385 ofswitch ZES actuates and positions its wipers'387 and 388 upony a set of contacts which determinepthe zone to which the connection has been-extended, if such determination has not been already completed bythek second digit ofl thecalled subscribers number.

If the connection set up is one for which?` no charge is to be made, the wipersgof the zonek register switch ZRS will be connected with contacts marke d X having direct ground potential thereon. causing lzone, recording re-` lays 302, 310, 315, and 325 to all lie-operated upon the deenergization of relay 375. lThe circuits -for relays 302 and 310 extendl from 4battery through the upper windings ot 302` and 310 in series, conductor 344, bankcontacts 351, conductor 361, armature 372r and its resting contact, andthe second lower bank Contact of switch ZRS/to ground. The relays 315 and 325'afre energized over a circuit paralleling the one justtraced connecting lwith direct ground onlthe'second lower bank contacts accessibleito wiper 373. e

When any of the relays 302, 310, 31 ,or 325 ,are operated, a circuit is completed through ico the lower winding of relay 280, which oper'- yat'es and at its armatures 282 interrupts-the holding circuit of .switch P', permittingiit to restore; at armature283 rinterrupts the circuit of relay 347 opens a point in the operating circuit of re*-y lay 251. Relay 347, .upon restoring, at yits armature 349'opens the operating circuitof rmagnet 391, andv at its armature 348 applies ground to the Vrelease magnets ofxswitches ZRS, ZRS and TR, through their'respective ollnormalsprings. The time and zone register'switches are accordingly restored to normall and rendered availablel to other switches such as P.

Then all ot therelays 302, 310, 315, and 325 are operated, as is' the case'unde'r thecir'- cumstances assumed, a circuit is completed This circuit extends from the grounded` armature 235and its working `and at its armature 285 andi its 7 resting Contact, armature 254 an d its Contact,

armature 305 and its working cont-act, arma,- ture 313 and its workingr contact,` armature 326 and its contact, and the lower winding of relay 275 to battery. The relay 275 operates andatits armature 286 opens the circuitof relay231 anda point in a secondholding circuit for the plunger lineswitch P vof Fig. 2. When the inal digit of the called number has been transmitted, the connecter H seizes the terminals of the line called, and, irrespective of the busy or idle condition of the line, a relay in the connector actuates to interrupt the loop extending back through the windings of relays 123 and 124. Relay 123 accordingly deenergizes. and at its armature 150 opens the locking circuit of relay 127, and the energizing circuit of relay 210. These relays accordingly deenergize. Relay 210, upon restoring opens the traced holding circuit of switchP, permitting it to restore. The restoration of switch P causes the release of relay 234, as previously described. Relay 234, upon restoring at armature 235 interrupts the holding circuit of all operated relays in Fig. 3.

Relay 127, upon restoring, at its armature 168 closes a point in a path for the transmission of busy tone to the calling line, which is completed by the connector if the line called is busy. If the busy tone is received the callin subscriber replaces his receiver, thereby bringing about the release of the connection.

If the called line is idle, the response of the called subscriber causes a relay in the connector to again complete the circuit of rela-y 123 inthe switch SR over the called subscribers loop. Relay 123, upon energizing, at armature 150 now completes anenergizing circuit for the slow release relay 125, by way of armature 170 and its resting contact, the resting Contact and armature 163, the Winding of 125, the resting contact and armature 17 5, and ott-normal springs 148 to battery, through the winding of magnet 19. Magnet 19 does not energize over this cir-r cuit due to the comparatively high resistance of 125. Relay 125, upon operating, at armature 157 opens a point in the holding circuit of relay 123; at armature 158 completes a, locking circuit for itself; at armature 159 prepares a locking circuit for relay 126; and at its armature 156 disconnects ground from conductor 208 and instead connects this conductor to meter conductor 116. Talking battery is now supplied to the calling subscriber through relays 121 and 124, and to the called subscriber through relays 123 and 124.V Since the meter control apparatus has been disassociated from the connection no metering operation can take place.

If the substation A is located in Zone 1 with reference to ysubstation A,the wipers 368 and 373 of the zone register switch ZRS will be positioned on their upper second, the upper ninth or lower tenth bank contacts, depending upon whether the zone is determined by two or three digits. It will be assumed that three digits were required and, therefore, of the relay group 302, 310, 315, and 325 a circuit including relays 302 and 310 is completed.k This circuit extends from battery through the windings of relays 302 and 310 in series, conductor 344, bank contacts 351, conductor 361, armature 372, conductor 382, wiper-368, the associated upper ninth bank contact, for example, conductor 389, wiper 388 and its third bank contact to ground through resistance 383. Owing to the marginal characteristic of relay 310 this relay is not operated at this time.

Relay 302, upon operating, at its armature 304 completes a holding circuit through its lower winding;r at its armature 305 modifies the controlling circuit for the relay 277, which will be traced subsequently; at its armatures 306,-307, and 308 andtheir working contacts, closes points in the circuits extending from wipers 337, 251', 262, and 268, respectively, of the start pulse switch; and at armature 303 completes an operating circuit for relay 280. The relay 280, upon operating, at its armature 282, interrupts the formerly traced holding circuit through winding 350 of switch P', permitting that switch to restore. As ai result of the restoration of the switch P the switch mechanism accessible thereto is restored to normal in the manner formerly described. The relay 280 also, at its armature 283 and its working contact substitutes its upper winding for that of relay 347 to prevent relay 126 operating in series with the relay 122.

lVhen the final digit of the called number has been transmitted and the connector H seizes the terminal of the line called, a relay in the connector actuates to interrupt the loop circuit extending back through the windings of relays 123 and 124. Relay 123 accordingly deenergizes and at its armature 15() opens the locking circuit of relay 127, and the energizing circuit of relay 210. These relays accordingly deenergize, as in the case of a call to a free line. The relay 210, upon restoring, at its armature 211 again connects conductor 217 vwith conductor 208, to prepare the meter circuit at this point; and disconnects its grounded armature from the holding circuit of switch P. The switch l) does not restore, however, because of the presence of the formerly traced holding circuit extended to the grounded contact of armature 287. Relay 127 ,.upon restoring, at its armature 170 and its resting contact prepares an operating circuit for relay 125.

Upon the response of the called subscriber a relay in the connector H actuates to again complete the loop circuit through relays 123 and 124. Relay 123, therefore, again energizes and completes the formerly traced circuit of relay 125. The relay 125, in addition to'causing the previously described circuit changes, now causes the connected meter control equipment to be set into Operation, by actuation of its-armature 156. The removal of ground potential from conductor 208 by the actuation of armature 156 permits the tWo-step relay 237 to fully operate',Y This Vre-Y lay at its armature 268 closes anot'herpoint in the meter control circuit,y its arma-turc 239 opens ya point in anoperatin'g circuiti for relay 277 and closes a circuity for relay .256 at armature 241 closesy a. pointL in a' controlling circuit including the Wiper'24 of the startv to battery.. The Wipers of this switch are coni.

sequently rotated until'groundpotential, suppliedby the Wiper 281,.` ot' the' time. pulse switch is picked upby t.hewiper".274.v It'will be assumed that the Wiper'281o-f thel time pulse switch TPS-ispositioned onits second bank contact When the Wipers ofthe switch SPS rencounter their sixth contact set..y flien this occurs the oround otentialion' nexty tov bottom contact, supplied throughr Wiper 281,.parsses over theyvlper 27:4, through: armature 241 and its Contact, armature 292 and its restingcontact, to the upperwinding ot relay 288. and battery.y rPhe relay 288 operates, at its` armature 290 prepares an operating circuit for relay 295'; at its armature 291 opens the operatingtcircuit of; magnet 335,

ythereby preventing further. movement' olithe Wipers of the switch SPS; andy atthe front contact of this armature completes the: lo'clring circuit for the; relay 288, including'thc WindingV of the magnet 835,. which' wvillnoty operatey in this circuit; andat armatureV 292 closes a point in an operating" circuitor the relay 26.9.yvhi'ch WillY be traced subsequently. The Wiper 281i continue'sto periodically step when it arrives at the'banlrcontzmt ground s is applied overthe Wiper298, armature 290 and its Working contact, throughthe-springs controlled by'armature 289, tothe Windingof relay 295and battery:` Thisrelay'therenpon operates, at its armature 289compl`etes a locke;

ing circuit for itself.; at itsgarmature294 com'.-A pletesy an' operating 'circuit' for tlierelayx2i0, and at its armature 296k preparesfal circuit which is completed upon thenezt stepof'the switch TPS'from the' Wiper 217 4 tovth'erelay 269. This circuit extends-trom the saidwiper, through armature 241 and itsl Contact, armature 29`2and itsworlring contachfcontfact'and armatureV 296, armature 306 and its contact,

Contact and armature 2642, contact' an'dlarmaFV ture 24'?, throughthe Winding of relay' 269 and battery; Relay 250, upon operating, ccm;-

pletesV a circuiJr from battery extending' through the Winding of motormagnet 3290i switch TL,.conductor 334,.contfact and armature 253 to groundrat armature' 279, causing thatsyvitch to advance itsfwipersh and 332 into engagement With their first contacts; at its armature 254 opens a point in an operat,

ing' circuit `:for relay 277,v and at its armature 25.5.1interrupts the'y circuit of relay 256. Since the relay 256 is slow to release, ground potential is extendedy from the conductor 320,

through arma-ture 257 and its Working contact, res1stance 309, armature 252, conductor` 221, bank contacts 226, conductor 206', to the relay 126. The current oW over this circuit causes relay 126 to pull up. This relay at. its armature 161 and its Working Contact connects overflow busy tone through thev contact and armature 142, and through the backcoutact and armature 178 to the calling subscriber. This tone, however, is applied moe ing subscriber thatone talking period has practically been completed and that if he does not'desire to be charged for a second talking period he must immediately restore the re.- ceiver.

f The movement ofthe Wiper 281 to its neXt bank contact causes ground to be extended over Wiper 2? 4 and the previously traced cir- Workingicontact and armature 268, Working contact and armature 232, conductor' 218,f

bank contacts 223, armature 211 and its resti# lng contact, conduct-or 208, armature 15G-and its Working contact, meter conductor 116',

Wiper 112, armature 108 and its Working contact, to the Winding of the meter M. and ground, thereby actuating the meterte charge for the first time period.

As the Wiper 281 passes over its third to sixth bank. vcontactsit also'v applies ground potential tothe Wipers 337, 268, 262, and 251, in sequence. Since, however, in the present connectiononly the Wiper 274 is connected through to the relay 269 the rela-y 269 Will only operate once. When the Wiper" 281 encounters the sixth contact ground 1villr again be transmitted to the relay 250 to again ad'- vanc'e the Wipers of switch TL,.and cause. the

tone to be again temporarily connected outk ycuit to the slowrelease relay 269. This relay accordingly operates and at its armature 270 and its Working contact transmits battery `through the resistance' 100, by Way kof the yover the calling line to apprise lthe calling,V

subscriber that a third time charge period is about to begin.

It Will be assumedthat the conversation is now terminated.

Thejreplacement of the called subscrbers l receivercauses 'relay 123`to deenergizeand at its armature 149 close al point 1n the circuit otreleasemagnct 19.

lVhen theV calling subscriber replaces his receiver, line relay 121 releases, and at armature 141 completes a.l short circuit around the Winding of relay 122, thereby renderingqit slow to release. `'Before the release of relay 122, a circuit is now completed for vrelay 126, by way oit grounded armature 147 and its working contact, and the springs controlled by armature 141. Relay 126, upon operating, at arniatme- 161 opens ay second point in the circuit of relay 121, at armature 162 connects ground, by way ot armatures 178 and 153, to the release trunk 115 to maintain the switch LS operated during the meterin r operation; and at armature 163 completes a locking circuit for itsel'l independent or relay 122. This circuit extends trom armature 158, through armature 163 and its worlr-k ing contact, armature 159, and the springs controlled rby arn'iaturc 141. After an inter- Val relay 122 releases, and at its armature 142 opens another point in the circuit o1 line relay 121, so that the calling subscriber cannot interfere with the metering operation by again removing his receiver; at armature 145 removes one of the ground connections from the release conductor 115; and at its armature 146 removes ground 'from conductor 205, thereby removing the short circuit 'from about relay 243 of Fig. 3. he relay 243, therefore, now operates, at its armature 24S reconnects ground potential over 219, 224, and 205 to prevent the deenergization oit relays 125 and 126; at armature 244 prepares an operating circuit for relay 277, which is in,- dependent of armatures 254; at arm ature 24o prepares an operating circuit for relay 251;

yrelays 260 and 251.

at armature 246 opens the circuit or relay 256, and before this relay restores, completes a circuit, by way ofarmatures 246 and 258, for the release magnet 330 ot switch TL, causingits wipers 331 and 332 to restore. Relay 256, upon restoring, at its armature 261 again prepares another operating circuit for the motor magnet 329 oit switch TL; at armature 259 opens a point in an automatic release control circuit, which will be described later; at armature 253 opens a second point in the circuit of release magnet 330; and at armature 257 completes operating circuits for r le circuit for relay 260 extends direct from the resting contact of armature 257, while that of relay 251 extends by way ol armatures H57, 2l 5, and 273. The operation ot relay 26 is without effect at this time, since the circuits controlled by its armatures are already open at armatures 59 and 247. The relay 251, upon operating, at its armature 266 conniletes an operating circuit for motor magnet 329 ot switch TL by way ot' armature 261 and conductor 334 causing` it to advance its wipersy into engagement with their first contacts; and at armature 265 completes an operating circuit for relay 269. Relay269, upon operating, at armature 270 connects battery through resistance 100, and over the pre vious'ly traced circuit to meter M, causing the meter to again actuate; and at armature 273 interrupts the circuit ot relay 251. Relay 251 thereupon restores and again opens the circuit of relay 269. Obviously it nothing happens to prevent it, these relays: will continue to operate alternately.

Since, however, the connection under consideration was established to a line in zone 1 the movement of wiper 332 into engagement with its rst bank contact, completes. a circuit or cut-off relay 277. This circuit extends from battery through the winding of 277, wiper 332 and its first bank contact, resting contact and armature 318, resting contact and armature 313, working contact and armature 305, armature 244 and its working contact, and the resting contact and armature 257 to the grounded conductor 320. The relay 27 7 upon operating, at its armature 279 removes ground from the holding circuit of relays 234,v 243, 126 and 125; at lits armature 27 8'locks up from ground on conductor 320; and at armature 287 interrupts the series circuit including relay 231V and the holding winding 227 of switch P. The switch P, upon restoring, at springs 213 completes the circuit of release magnet 19 of the selector repeater SR causing that switch to restore. This circuit extends from the grounded resting contact and armature 156, conductor 208, springs 213, conductor 209, armatures 144, 149, and 175 and olf-normal springs 148 to the release magnet and battery.

Had the connection been established to zone 5, the wipers 368 and 373 of the zone switch ZRS would have been positioned on contacts such as those marked Z5, resulting in the energization of relays 302 and 315. With these two relays operated wipers 251, 262, 268, 274 and 337 are connected to meter control conductor 340 and therefore, each time the wiper 281 of switch TPS passes over the first to sixth contacts a series of live impulses will be transmitted to the meterM. Also following the termination of the call relay 269 will actnate five times before being cut 01Tl by the energization of relay 277 which now has its circuit completed through the fifth bank contact of switch TL, working contact and armature 318, resting contact and armature 313 and the working contact and armature 305.

If the conversation has not terminated at the end of the fourth time period it will be automatically terminated as the wiper 331 encounters its fourth bank contact.k This is brought about by the momentary closure of a circuit for operating relay 126 and forv short circuiting the slow-release relay 122 of the selector repeater by supplying ground from the grounded resting contact and armature 279, through armature 253 and its resting contact, Wiper 331, conductor 336, armature 263 and its contact, armature 259 and its contact, conductor 221 and over the previously traced circuit to conductor G leading to the upper terminal of relay 122.

ing .equipment to function in the same manner :as when the calling subscriber replaced his receiver.

-. As previously stated the instant invention is designed for luse infatelephone systemsuchas disclosed in the co-pending Wicks .applica-v tion, Serial No. 297,611, iiled August, 1928;

The selector repeater SR, like the one ydisyelosedfinfthe foregoing application, `may be released ,by a toll operator when such operatorl desires to complete a toll call to either station A or A. f ,Y

It the operator wishes to complete a toll call to station A-, shersets up a connection to such station, and by operating a key may converse withthe subscriber at station A., If she desires to breakdown thelocal connection she may do so yby again operating the key This causesV circuit lchanges .to occur which result in the grounding of normal conductors 297 and 299 of station A- whichr eX- tend back to and through the differential relay 124 of` switch SR causing that relay to energize, as fully described in the co-pend ing application referredto; Relay 124, upon energizing, at. armature 154 closes an'energizing circuit for relay 128; at armature 153 opens a point inthe circuit to the rotary magnet; 131,`and closes an energizingr circuit Jfor the release magnet 19 from the grounded release trunk conductor 115', thereby causing the lfirst selector repeater SR to release; Re-

ylay v128uponv energizing, at armatures 173 and-'179 opens the circuits of relays 121-123,

and 124 ;l at armatureV 175 it opens the circuit i of relay 125,`per'mitting that relay to restore and prevent further metering; at armature 17 completes a locking Icircuit for itself by way ot the grounded; releasetrunk conductor 115 y `and ,at Iarmature 178 momentarily grounds the wiper 191.'- The relay 128jalso, at its armatures `178 andA179, cuts'the. ta1king conducto-rss'traight through. This", latter operation is of noutility sofar as thejpresent yinvention is concernedybutis the usual ar.4

rangement providedfor enabling the switch Rto'seize anoperators trunk, or a ring-l back switch forfenablingcalls `being` made Vback yon a calling; party line. It shouldy be Y understoodthat on such calls the test wiper encounters `direct battery, thereby enabling f the relay 128 to operate in multiple with relay 129 upon 1 the operation 4 of armaturef182.

'ture 153 closes thefrelease magnet 1 circuit,

and at *armatureV 154 opens the kinitial ener? val relay 122ldeenergizes thereby bringing f about the operation andrelease of the meter Vcontrol equipment inthe 'samemanner as in ormenexamples. However, -sincein the vpresent case: relay 125;.is,l deenergized 4nothe .operation of the meter after the termination of a talking connection..

The lineswitch of station A (not shown) is vprevented from being released bytherelease of the connection withfline Aby ground po` tential supplied toit by the connector .ofthe toll switchV train. i M lIf the operator wishes to setup a toll con-y nection to station A, instead of A, shecauses the line normals 101, 102and 118 to be seized bythe connector of the toll switch train. yThe operator, asin the case when station A was called, causes ground potential to be vapplied to the calledfline normals. Ground potential appliednto conductor 118 prevents the release .0f line switch LS upon the deenergization of relay 122. The application of ground potential to the normal conductor 102 effectively shortcircuits the lower windings of relays 121 and 124, and,1therefore, `the application of ground potential to conductor 101 directly through the upper windings of relays121 and y 124 causes relay 124 to operate. l This relay, upon operating, causes the switch SR` to release, yas before,-but in this case relays 128 and 129 are heldenergizedy by the grouml'potential on conductor118-k Relay 128'is held energized in order to disconnect battery and ground in the selector repeater ySIR .fromthe line of stationfA. As in the former case,-`thek meter control equipment is prevented from' causing further actuations ofthe calling line meter owing to the deenergizedv condition of relay 125.

What'is claimed is: 1. In a telephone system, a calling line, switches available to said line for use in extendingl` connections to called lines a .meter u associated with the calling line, meter control equipment common to said switches, means responsive to the seizure of one ofr said switches for automatically associating .said

,switch wit-hf said metercontrol equipmenia:

:charge to also be made. kLine relay 121-, uplon deenergiz'ing, vat arma- :turei141opens the circuitfofthe release relay 122. .Relay 124, upon rvdeenergizing, at arma-A 2.. Ini a telephone system, a. calling line equippedwith a meter, a called line, a train of automatic switches for completing a conynectionQbetweensaid lines, a circuit for op-y erating said Ineter,-and. means.y operated upon v theresponse of the called `subscriber to ,pre` Apare saidcircuit andl toV cause `said `meter'to be periodically operatedduring the. existence .oiga vtalking connectionand for also causimgg;y

` 3. In a telephone system, calling and called lines, a meter for the callingline, means including aseries of'subscriber controlled automatic switches for establishing a connection between said lines, zone metering equipment normally disassociated from said switches, other control equipment normally disasseciated from Athe said switches and from said zone metering equipment,-means responsive to the seizure of one of said switches for associating said zone meteringr equipment therewith, and means responsive to such connection to associate said other control equipment with said switch. l

4. In a telephone system, a calling line, a meter for said line, a series of subscriber controlled switches for setting up a talking connection to a called line, zone recording and time and zone metering apparatus, means res onsive to the seizure of the iirst of said switches to connect it with said apparatus, zone register equipment available to said apparatus, and -means responsive to the seizure of' said zone ymetering apparatus for causing the seizure by it of the zone registering apparatus.

5. In a telephone system, calling and called lines, subscriber controlled switches for setting up connections between said lines, zone register switches operable consequent to the y operation of certain ot' said first-mentioned switches, relays controlled by said Zone register switches in a manner characteristic of the zone called, and means responsive to the operation of any one ofsairl relays for causing the disassociation of thezone register Aswitches therefrom. e

' 6. In a'telephone system, calling and called lines, subscriber controlled switches for setting up connections between said lines, zone register switches operable consequent to 'the' operation ofcertain ofy said first-mentioned switches, relays controlled by said zone register switches in a manner characteristic of the zone called, means responsive to the operation of any one oi said relays for causingthe disassociationof the zone register switches therefrom, and other'apparatus subsequently controlled to charge for the connection at a 'rate' dependent on whichof said relays are operated.

- 7. yIn ameasured service telephone system, a calling line in one exchange, lal calledline in Y a second exchange, electro-mechanical means-forestablishing a talking connection between said lines,`a' meter'for the calling line, means responsiveto the setting up of a connection for determining the mlnimumk number of times the meter of the calling line will be operated at the termination ofthe callfif thecalled subscriber responds, means for then automatically disassociating said determining means fromt the connection, and means for causing the meter to also be oper'- ated periodically such a predetermined number oftimes prior to the termination of the Vcall ffor each set period the connectionis maintained. y 8. In a measured service telephone system, a calling and a called line, asubscriber controlled switch seizable by the calling line to set upa connection'in the direction'of the called line, an impulsing relay, and means for causing said relay Vto automatically transmit impulses to operater said switch to notify the subscriber that he has failed to operatey it Withina predetermined ltime and that he must therefore replace his receiver and reinitiate thecall. p

' 9. In a'measured service telephone system, a calling and a called line, a subscriber controlled switch seizable by the calling line to set up a connection in the direction of the called line, an impulsing relay, means for causing said relay to automatically transmit impulses to operate said switch to notify the subscriberthat he has failed to operate it within a predetermined time and that he must therefore'replace his receiver and reinitiate the call, andmeans for causing said` relay to transmit impulses to charge for the connection in case the same is completed and the called party responds.

10. Ina telephone system, a calling line, an automatic switch operable by impulses transmitted from said calling line to extend a connection in the direction of a called line,

means responsive to the removalof the receiver at the station of said calling line for seizing said switch, and means operative to automatically disassociate said switch control by impulses transmittedfrom the calling line if the subscriber fails to transmit impulses to the switch within a predetermined time.`

l11. In a telephone system, a switch, a calling line having means associated therewith,

vresponsive to the removal of the receiver at the substation thereof, to extend a connection to said switch, means, for transmitting impulses over the calling'line to actuate said switchin the direction of a calledy line, and means for automatically transmittin impulses to actuate said switch to noti y the subscriber that he has failed tofcause its operation within a predetermined time.

12; In a telephone system, a callingand a called line, a Ameter associated with the calling line, a series of automatic switches included in an established connection between said lines, meter control equipment associated with the connection,'means for causing said meter control equipment to operate the calling line meter prior to the termination of the connection, meansy responsive to the termination :of the connection by replacement of the receiver at the calling station for causing the meter control equipment toalso 'actuate the meter and the connection to be released and means in one of said switches, *alternativelyl operative repsonsive to the fio 1,810,3so J seizure of one of said lines 'prior to the replacement of the receiver atthe calling station, co-release the connection and prevent further operation of said meter.

13. In an automatic telephonesystem,a calling line', a called line, a meter Jfor the calling line, zone and lapse time meter ycontrol equipment, means for causing said equipment to function and cause the operation yoi'.: p said meter a number of times at the expiraf tion of each dehnite time intervalo the talko meter for said line,7a series'oit automaticVr ing connection, and means tor automatically interrupting vthe vtalking connection at the expiration of a certain time interval, simultaneously stopping the lapse time metering operation, operating the meter a number of Vtimes dependent on the zone `called and for then releasing `the meter control equipment and the connection.

14. In a telephone system, a calling line, a

switches for establishing connections -rom saidline to called lines, meterfcontrol equiption ifthere is no charge to be made therefor.

Y k15. In a telephone system, ,a calling line,

switches available tosaid line for `use in eX- tending connections to called lines, a meter associated with the calling line, equipmentL commonv to said switches for controlling the meter after a connection is set up, and means responsive to lthe seizure of one vof said switches :tork automatically associating the seized switch with said control equipment.

16. In artelephone system, a calling line,

switches available `to said line for use ineX-f tending connectionsfto called lines, a meter associated with the calling line, metercontrol equipment, common kto said switches,

means responsive to the seizure of one of said switches for automatically associating'` ksuoli lswitch with said meter control equipment, means in said meterv control equipment operable incidental to the establishment of the connection for` 'determining the rateof charge for the call, and means for Y immediately thereafter automatically dis-` of a plurality of automatic'switches for eX-'- associating Asaid last means of the meter control equipment fromsthe connection.l

17. In a telephone system,a 4calling line equipped with .a meter, means including :one

to actuate the meter periodically throughout l the talking period and also thereafter, an

automatic switch, means -for actuating said switch to limit the talking period, and means for thenactuating said switch to bring about the release offthe connectionas soonV asthey ,meter has been operated the required'numof times subsequent to the termination of the talking period. Y 18. In a telephone system, la callingk line equipped with a meter, means including any one of a plurality of automatic switches seizable consequent to the removal of the receiver of the calling line for rextending a connection in the direction of a called line, means common to said switches associated with the connection throughout its duration for actuating said meter, and means temporarily associated with the connection operative while the connection-is being set up to prepare said last means for operation in accordance with the destination of the call.

19. In a telephone system, a calling line equipped with a meter, switches available to said line for extending connections to called lines, a plurality of meter actuating means common vto said switches,.means responsive i to the seizure of one of said switches for automatically kassociating the seizedswitch with,` one of said meter actuating means, a plurality Vot other means common to said lswitches and to said meter actuatingmeans for setting the seized -meter actuating means in accordance Vwith the ydestination of 'the v-call, andV means automatically operated consequent to the seizure of one of said meter actuating,

means forseizing'one of said setting means.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this y31st day of May, A. D. 1929. VJOHN WICKS.

tending akconnection to Yacalled'line, means A associated vwith the connection set in motion lconsequent to the response of a called party iio 

